Mara — THE 2013 wildebeest migration has reached the northern fringes of the world-famous Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) threatened by herders hailing from northern Tarime District of Mara Region.

"The migration has arrived on the northern areas of Kogatende and Kenyangaga and these are areas close to part of SENAPA land being encroached by some herders searching for pasture and water.

This area should be free from any encroachment," a conservationist told the 'Daily News'. There are reports that tourists are flocking to the northern part of the park to witness the great migration of over 1.5 wildebeest that has made Tanzania one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

"There are sufficient tented camps and camping sites to accommodate visitors in the area," the conservationist said on condition of anonymity.

Conservationists are concerned about the encroachment, calling for immediate intervention from Mara regional and Tarime District authorities On Monday, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Director General, Mr Allan Kijazi, cautioned that if the herders were left to continue grazing in the park, they would cause negative impact to the ecology and tourism activities.

The herders have caused what Mr Kijazi described as 'pointless conflicts' with conservationists. The Director General was speaking at the official handover ceremony of 6,000 iron sheets donated by TANAPA to boost completion of education and health projects in various parts of Tarime District.

"We need your cooperation because what (sheets) we are donating today are the fruits of good cooperation and if the conflicts are left to continue, we might not meet again to celebrate conservation fruits," Mr Kijazi told a huge gathering at the handover ceremony attended by local and top regional and district leaders in Tarime town.

Mr Kijazi blamed anti-conservation statements given by some politicians in favour of herders. Mara Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr John Tupa, admitted that human and wildlife conflicts were being fuelled by politicians in the villages.

"Let us not lie to our people. A good politician is one who tells the people the truth instead of giving misleading and unfulfilled promises," added the regional commissioner.